SAN DIEGO, CA (Tuesday, March 20, 2001) The San Diego Flash announced today the signings of Midfielder Mauricio Alegre and Defenders Carlos Cruz and Joey Martinez. As the 2001 season is fast approaching, the Flash made a significant addition to their roster with the signings of Alegre, Cruz and Martinez.
Yan Skwara, President of the San Diego Flash stated, "Both Alegre and Cruz have proven their ability to be leaders and playmakers and we're very excited to have them back for the 2001 season. They are a very important part to what makes a championship season happen. Joey Martinez brings to the table experience and play-making ability and we look for Joey to make things happen for us this year." Alegre and Cruz were teammates during both the 1998 and 1999 seasons in which the Flash won back-to-back Pacific Division Championships. While Alegre played with the Flash in 2000, Cruz decided to go south and play for Mexico's well-respected Division 1-A club team, Durango. Martinez will be a new addition to the team after playing his last season for Major League Soccer's San Jose Clash.
Mauricio Alegre is a talented Midfielder that has been with the Flash since their inaugural season in 1998. While he has had some unfortunate injuries, the level of experience and leadership he brings to the team is incomparable. Over the last three years with the Flash, Alegre has played in 65 games while racking up 10 goals and 3 assists.
Carlos Cruz is a solid Defender who plays the sweeper position that will make the perfect fit into the Flash's original "Samba" system. Flash fans will remember Cruz as a Flash team member during the clubs first two seasons. During those campaigns Cruz scored three goals and played in 28 games. In 1998 he suffered a major knee injury that kept him out of the U.S. Open Cup playoffs and in 1999 he had another unfortunate injury that limited his playing time. Cruz was a member of Mexico's Division I-A Durango during the 2000 season and became available upon the conclusion of his contract with Durango.
Joey Martinez is a fresh face to the Flash that is a strong left-footed Defender. In his last season with San Jose, Martinez started in 23 games for the Clash. Martinez played three years in the MLS beginning his career with the Dallas Burn and then moving on to the Miami Fusion in the 1998 MLS expansion draft. His last season was spent with San Jose in 1999.
Head Coach Papo Santos stated, " Both Alegre and Cruz played a major role in the success of our club in the first two years. We're glad to have them back for the upcoming season. Joey Martinez's speed, skill and attitude will definitely be an asset for the club."
The San Diego Flash is a member of the USL A-League and will launch its 2001 season on April 14th against Stanislaus United in a U.S. Open Cup Match. Season and individual/group tickets are available by contacting the Flash office (858) 581-2120 or through Pacific Capital Relations (858) 488-7775. Tickets can be purchased at $10 for adults and $7 for children. Season tickets can also be purchased for the full season for $85.
Contact: Pacific Capital Relations, Chuck Cibulka or Josh Spann @ (858) 488-7775 or sdflashpr@aol.com
